York finalizes front office power structure

49ERS

The San Francisco 49ers, Vice President of Stratigic Planning and owner, Jed York at 49ers headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday Oct. 24, 2008

The San Francisco 49ers, Vice President of Stratigic Planning and owner, Jed York at 49ers headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday Oct. 24, 2008

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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The San Francisco 49ers, Vice President of Stratigic Planning and owner, Jed York at 49ers headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday Oct. 24, 2008

The San Francisco 49ers, Vice President of Stratigic Planning and owner, Jed York at 49ers headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday Oct. 24, 2008

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

York finalizes front office power structure

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Team president Jed York rolled out the new 49ers organizational chart, handing out a few new titles while saying who has final say over what.

One thing was clear: York's say is the most final of all. If that hadn't been crystallized when York ascended the family tree to become CEO of the 49ers in December 2008, it is now.

"They all report to me," York said in a conference call Thursday when asked how the power structure is laid out.

"They" include Trent Baalke, who was named vice president of player personnel and has final say over the draft and trade talks; head coach Mike Singletary, who has final say over the 53-man roster; and Paraag Marathe, executive vice president of football and business operations who handles contract negotiations.

Also, Tom Gamble, who is director of pro personnel, will take on more responsibilities on the college side, York said.

So what exactly changed, other than a few titles?

Nothing, really. This just formalized what had been the case in recent weeks and beyond.

Baalke has enjoyed final say over the draft and trade issues since he replaced general manager Scot McCloughan in March, according to York. He has many of the duties of a general manager but not the title.

Singletary has control of the 53-man roster and the hiring/firing of his coaching staff. But, York said that has been the case since he was named head coach.

As for free agency, Baalke and Singletary will work together on those decisions. It was not made clear whose say was more final than the other's in that regard.

Also, Baalke won't be as involved as McCloughan in budget matters and other areas that support the football operations. That's fine with Baalke, who has never been a general manager before.

"That's going to take care of itself in due time," Baalke said. "I think people get way too caught up in the term general manager and what that states.

"Nothing changes in the context of what's taken place the last five or six weeks."

The most noticeable difference? Baalke did not get McCloughan's authority to hire and fire the head coach. York has that final say.

Still, Thursday's developments solidified Baalke's long-term place in the building. He was awarded a four-year contract after beating out several undisclosed candidates for the V.P. job.

He also got to bring in his own guy, Joel Patten, as the new director of college scouting. Patten, who worked with Baalke in Washington, replaces David McCloughan - Scot's brother - who is no longer with the organization.

"When you look at Trent, he's a great talent evaluator," York said. "He's meticulous, he's very organized, he's great at putting a staff together.

"And, he's still learning some of the other pieces of that business that will ultimately put him as a general manager. I want to make sure that we don't put too much on Trent's plate."

Briefly: The 49ers promoted Matt Malaspina to national scout, and they hired Bob Morris as an area scout. ... The 49ers signed wide receiver Kyle Williams, a sixth-round draft pick from Arizona State, to a four-year deal.